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JonB
Lv 5
JonB asked in Politics & GovernmentLaw & Ethics · 1 decade ago

Legal question regarding the terms of a purchase?

Background:

My wife and I went furniture shopping. The first store we went to had a chair we liked but it was priced beyond our limit. The second store we went to offered the same chair (both stores required this chair be special ordered). The sales person from the second store quoted me a price 1/3 of that from the first store. I asked her to confirm the price and she confirmed this lower price. I told her that a competitor was offering it for considerably higher then that, but she still stuck with her price. My wife then joined the conversation and she began by questioning the price and confirming that we were discussing the right chair. After all this the salesperson confirmed the lower price. My wife and I said we would buy it for that price. The sales order was written, we put $300 down and were told that the remainder would be charged when the item arrived. My wife and I left thinking something was fishy, but we had confirmed the correct product and price.

The following evening, we recieve a call from the salesperson stating she had made an error on the price. She then told me the correct price (same as the first store) and told me they could not sell it at the price on my reciept. They would be able to give the chair for the new price less 10% (for my trouble) or I could pick a new chair within my price range.

Question:

Is my reciept not legally binding? Especially since I put $300 down. I have a legal right to the terms of this sale, whether or not they made a mistake, correct?

Thanks for your help.

Update:

I live in Wisconsin, if it matters.

5 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago

    If you have a receipt saying the chair was for a certain dollar amount, then yes the store sold you that chair for that amount, and would have to hold to their end of the deal. If not, I would call and put a stop to the credit card payment before they finish charging you for the "new" price. Once it is fully charged, you will have to fight them to get it removed, and that could mean the store and credit card company. You can refuse to buy the chair you were under the understanding of a different purchase, the store changing the terms is not your fault. But get this stopped ASAP or it will be a drawn out hassle.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    yes your receipt is legally binding. What you do is go into the store and ask to speak the manager...not the Manager-on-duty...the store manager the GM. You then mention the words "bate-and-switch" and how you feel this was a classic bate-and-switch tactic. You explain to him/her that you questioned the employee several times on the pricing before purchasing it...she assured you that it was the correct price. You have purchased the chair for the price she gave you and "will" receive your order for that price.

    If they refuse to give you the chair for that price...you call the corp. head quarters and make a big stink...claiming it was bate-and-switch. Secondly, contact Fox 9 (I live in Milwaukee)...or just mention you'll contact Fox 9. That should get them to honor the price.

    Dude you gotta fight for your rights man. Stand up and don't let these ppl push around. it's gonna get even worse now with retailers b/c of this recession. I've noticed since i've lived in WI (i'm from the Northeast and Chicagoland area) that Wisconsinites allow "the man" to just push you around...no one stands up for there right around here. it's just boggles my mind. And yes you may have to get loud and accusing...but you know what....the squeaky wheel gets oiled.

    If you cause a scene in the store during there busy time like on Saturday afternoon claiming that they're trying to rip you off...trust me darling the managers will do something for you.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    As others have stated, a receipt/sales order is your legally binding contract. They cannot force you to pay a lower price, as that is called a 'bait-and-switch' and is VERY illegal.

    If they refuse to honor the deal, get your $300 back.

    If they refuse, take them to small claims court.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Yes, your receipt is a legally binding contract. Terms or in your case, price can not be altered without the consent of both parties.

  • They legally have to accept the price they quoted. Tell her nice try though. looks like she'll have to pay the difference, and you get a deal. Next time I bet she'll be more careful. Now, go get your chair ! :)

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